International Climate Crisis Residency

The Royal Court Theatre returned to the Edinburgh International Festival for a major new residency in summer 2019, curated in partnership with the British Council, that culminated in a week of lunchtime performances of new short plays written by international artists.

The writers were Luanda Casella, Si’an Chen, Amy Jephta, Ghiath Al Mhitawi and Swati Simha.

The five writers from Brazil, China, India, South Africa and Syria shared urgent perspectives from across the world on the global climate crisis through plays specially commissioned to premiere at the Festival.

Prior to the performances, the writers spent two weeks forging new relationships with other international artists in Edinburgh and collaborators from across the UK. Taking part in the You Are Here strand of work, including The Departure Lounge project.

Each artist’s residency also involved a visit to another partner organisation across the UK, who supported the development of their work. These included HighTide Festival, Leeds Playhouse, Live Theatre in Newcastle and the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester.

This project was curated in partnership with and supported by the British Council.